BELLISSIMO BLEND

A SLEEK 50-FOOTER WITH COMFORT, REWARDING SAILING QUALITIES AND PERFORMANCE, PLUS EASY HANDLING

The drive to include all the features we now expect of new yachts, such as easy handling, big cockpits for al fresco dining and huge accommodation volumes, all too often risks compromising the fundamentals of creating a yacht that's fun and rewarding to sail. When developing its latest range of 40-60 footers, however, Solaris tackled these aspects as a top priority.

An optimised helming experience is intended as a key feature. Designer Javier Soto Acebel deliberately pushed the helm stations as far out to the sides of the hull as possible to maximise the view and make it possible to see the full length of the headsail luff - something that's difficult on many of today's yachts. Despite the boat's 16 tonne displacement, the steering is direct and responsive, with twin rudders offering excellent control.

This direct focus on the owner's experience when sailing the boat also hints at the yard's understanding that to be successful in today's market requires more than producing great physical products - the overall ownership experience counts as well. More on that later.

There's one drawback that, on paper at least, might be significant for a cruising yacht: there's no proper helm seat. When sailing upwind I often like to sit on the side deck, with my feet braced against the pedestal - it's a position that can be comfortable for hours at a stretch.

But the wheels of this boat are so close to the edge of the hull there are no side decks here. Our test boat had small plinths extending inboard of the gunwale to provide a perch of sorts, but it's not suited to long periods of use, especially when heeled. The yard offers an optional folding seat, but that's still not an ideal solution.